Gum Disease
Gum disease can very seriously compromise your oral health as well as your overall health if left untreated.
Seeing a dentist regularly can prevent gum disease and allow for early diagnosis and more conservative treatment.
At 38th Street Dental in Austin, TX, Dr. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch can help you prevent gum disease and provide treatment as needed.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The initial symptoms include:
- Red gums
- Swollen gums
- Gum tenderness
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
When periodontal conditions are left untreated, it can cause more serious issues, like:
- Gum recession
- Pockets around the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Jawbone deterioration
- Increased risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes
If you experience any symptoms of periodontal disease, get in touch with us right away. We're ready to help!
Save Your Smile with Periodontal Treatment
Regular brushing and flossing are the best defense against gum disease but it is still a very common condition. If you've noticed inflammation, swelling, or bleeding gums, you may have gingivitis or periodontitis. The dentists at 38th Street Dental can effectively treat gum disease to protect your oral and general health.
Treatment for Gum Disease
It is essential that patients undergo routine exams at our Austin, TX, practice so we can check for dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If you have a mild form of the condition, we can treat it with a deep cleaning. If you have advanced gum disease that requires more intensive treatment, we will refer you to a trusted periodontist. Let's take a closer look at what our dentists can provide:
Root Scaling and Planing
Our doctors treat gum disease by performing a special type of cleaning, known as deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing. This procedure involves removing plaque and bacteria from the tooth surface and below the gum line, and then smoothing the root surface to make it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate. Often, this procedure will halt the progress of the disease, and no further treatment will be required.
Patient Education
In very mild cases of gum disease, it's just a matter of undergoing a professional cleaning and getting acquainted with better oral hygiene practices. If your techniques aren't dialed in, it can be easier than you think to let plaque accumulate in hard-to-reach places. Our dentists can help you reverse the earliest stages of gum disease (gingivitis) and maintain your oral health by teaching you the most effective ways to brush and floss.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Since gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, the easiest way to avoid gum disease is to remove all plaque from your teeth daily. This will prevent not only the onset of gingivitis and periodontitis, but also cavities.
Brushing Tips
To keep your teeth plaque-free, thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice daily. Patients should use a soft-bristled brush and pay special attention to the areas near the gum line.
Flossing
In addition, it is important to floss each day. Only dental floss can remove plaque at the gumline and in between the teeth.
Dental Exams
It is also important to visit our dentists and hygienists at 38th Street Dental in Austin every six months for your exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment. These preventive services will help keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Five-Star Reviews
Mister Whistles
2021
Dr Meek is like if Matthew McConaughey is your dentist. Your dental health is going to be alright alright alright. For over a decade I’ve had nothing but positive dental outcomes at 38th Street Dental.
View on GoogleMark Eissler
2021
I’ve been a patient of Dr Meek for 5 years now. From the staff to the hygienists to the clean, modern facilities, I’ll go there as long as I live in Austin
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